Start by restarting your MacBook Pro. This basic step clears temporary software glitches that can cause display issues.
If the flickering persists after a restart, you're dealing with something more persistent that needs systematic troubleshooting.
Key Points
- Reset the SMC: The System Management Controller handles power management and display functions on your MacBook.
- Update Your macOS: Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
- Disable Automatic Graphics Switching: Open System Preferences > Battery and look for the Automatic Graphics Switching option.
- Run Apple Diagnostics: Shut down your MacBook completely, then press and hold the D key while turning it back on.
- Check for Overheating Issues: The 2016 MacBook Pro has its TCON board positioned between heat sinks, which can lead to overheating.
- Boot in Safe Mode: Restart your MacBook and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
I've seen this particular model have display problems more often than others. The 2016 MacBook Pro has a known design issue with its display cable and TCON board placement that can lead to overheating and screen artifacts.
Reset the SMC
The System Management Controller handles power management and display functions on your MacBook. To reset it on a 2016 model, first shut down your computer completely. Press and hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side of your keyboard, then press and hold the power button for ten seconds.
Release all keys and wait a moment before turning your MacBook back on. This reset clears any power-related settings that might be interfering with your display.
It's a common fix for flickering issues that appear during sleep/wake cycles.
Update Your macOS
Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update. Install any available updates, as Apple frequently releases display driver fixes in macOS updates. Make sure you're running at least macOS 12 Monterey or later for the best compatibility.
After updating, restart your MacBook to apply all changes.
Some users report that updating from older versions of macOS to newer ones resolves persistent screen flickering problems. This is especially true if you've been holding off on updates for a while.
Disable Automatic Graphics Switching
Open System Preferences > Battery and look for the Automatic Graphics Switching option. Uncheck this box to prevent your MacBook from switching between integrated and discrete graphics. The constant switching can sometimes cause screen flickering on the 2016 models.
Your battery life might decrease slightly with this disabled, but it's worth testing if it stabilizes your display. If you don't see this option in your settings, your specific configuration might not have dual graphics cards.
Run Apple Diagnostics
Shut down your MacBook completely, then press and hold the D key while turning it back on. Keep holding until you see the Apple Diagnostics screen appear. This built-in tool checks for hardware issues that could be causing your display problems.
If Apple Diagnostics finds any reference codes related to displays, write them down. These codes can help identify whether you're dealing with a failing display cable, TCON board issue, or other hardware problem specific to the 2016 model.
Check for Overheating Issues
The 2016 MacBook Pro has its TCON board positioned between heat sinks, which can lead to overheating. Avoid using your laptop on soft surfaces like beds or couches that block ventilation. Make sure the vents on the bottom and sides aren't obstructed.
If you regularly run graphics-intensive applications, consider using a laptop cooling pad. Overheating can cause the display controller to malfunction, resulting in flickering lines and screen artifacts that worsen as the computer gets hotter.
Boot in Safe Mode
Restart your MacBook and immediately press and hold the Shift key. Release it when you see the login window. Safe Mode loads only essential system components, which helps determine if third-party software is causing your display issues.
If the screen doesn't flicker in Safe Mode, you likely have a software conflict. Check recently installed applications or system extensions that might be interfering with display functions. Uninstall anything suspicious and restart normally.
Reset NVRAM
Shut down your MacBook, then turn it back on while immediately pressing and holding Option + Command + P + R. Hold these keys for about 20 seconds until you hear the startup chime a second time. This resets display settings stored in non-volatile memory.
NVRAM stores information like screen resolution and brightness settings that can become corrupted. Resetting it often fixes display anomalies that persist through normal restarts. Your MacBook will restart with default display settings applied.
Adjust Display Settings
Go to System Preferences > Displays and try changing the refresh rate if available. Some users find that switching from the default adaptive refresh rate to a fixed rate stabilizes their screen. Also check the Color Profile settings for any duplicates.
If you see multiple Color LCD profiles, delete the duplicates by selecting them and clicking the minus button. Corrupted color profiles can cause display issues on the 2016 models. Stick with the default Color LCD profile for best results.
Test with an External Display
Connect your MacBook to an external monitor using a Thunderbolt or HDMI cable. If the external display works without flickering, your issue is likely with the internal display hardware. If both displays flicker, you're probably dealing with a software or graphics card problem.
This test helps narrow down whether you need professional repair for the internal display components. The 2016 models are known for display cable issues that require replacement, which this test can help confirm.
